Indonesia is seriously contemplating a purchase of China’s J-10 fighter aircraft. At face value, the plane provides an affordable answer to Jakarta’s defence requirements. However, most analysts worry that this acquisition may become a strategic blunder.
China’s J-10 is accompanied by technical constraints, dependability issues, and secret geopolitical strings. Indonesia might be purchasing planes—it might be purchasing dependence.
The Offer on the Table
On May 28, The National Interest reported that Indonesia’s Chief Marshal Mohamad Tonny Harjono expressed interest in the J-10C. He assured that the plane is under consideration but noted that significant procurements have to go through various stages of approval.
Indonesia’s Defence Equipment Determination Council will consider operational requirements and diplomatic implications before approving any agreement.
China’s J-10: Constructed on Borrowed Blueprints
China built the J-10 as a cheap alternative to Western planes. But the history of the plane’s creation is another story. Initially initiated during the 1990s, the J-10 borrowed extensive technology from Israel’s abortive Lavi project, canceled due to US pressure.
The plane is also structurally similar to the F-16 and has a Russian AL-31 engine intended for the larger Su-27. Its appearance may be stunning, but its guts are behind the times.
Performance Shortcomings and Patchwork Refurbishments
The J-10A began service in 2003 but quickly lagged behind in radar and avionics. China then rolled out the J-10B and J-10C, featuring phased array radar and improved missiles. But the core problems of the jet remain—particularly poor aerodynamics and engine reliability. Even China hasn’t completely converted to the newer models. The majority of its fleet continues to use the old J-10A.
Indonesia’s interest is partly due to unsubstantiated reports that a Pakistani J-10 shot down an Indian Rafale during Operation Sindoor. Chinese state media hailed the report, but India vehemently debunked losing any Rafales. These reports are unsubstantiated and appear to be state propaganda to enhance China’s defence exports.
Comparing the Rafale with the J-10
India’s Rafales are the opposite of the J-10. The Rafale is a 4.5-generation, twin-engine fighter with sophisticated AESA radar, electronic warfare capabilities, and greater combat reach. It’s a battle-tested platform with indigenous upgrade and maintenance capabilities. The J-10, in spite of newer technology in the C variant, does not have credibility in actual operations and relies on foreign-made engines.
Purchasing Chinese fighters might lock Indonesia into long-term dependence on Beijing. Any future modernization, spares, and training would all bind Jakarta to the good will of China. Such military dependence might limit Indonesia’s independence. Its integration with other Russian and American planes would also become more difficult, diminishing fleet effectiveness.
A Geopolitical Move, Not Just a Sale
China is leveraging sales of defence such as the J-10 to increase its grip in Southeast Asia. The proposal to Indonesia comes with joint exercises and enhanced military cooperation between the two countries. But getting too close to China comes at a risk. It may restrict Indonesia’s strategic maneuverability in the future.
Indonesia’s impetus—affordability and access—can overlook the profound cost of strategic vulnerability. The J-10 provides rapid value but long-term sacrifice. If Indonesia goes ahead, it might end up being caught in China’s trap, having to accept Beijing’s terms in future defence and policy matters.
Indonesia needs to consider whether the J-10 really bolsters its defense or merely increases Chinese influence. In this day and age of Indo-Pacific struggle for power, affordable aircraft might be a high-priced undervalued commodity. Strategic wisdom should prevail over temporary cost-effectiveness.
